A few weeks back I shared about EMDR therapy and a number of people contacted me, wondering how it worked for me and sharing how they hoped it would work for them. A few of them asked if I minded them reaching out – my only thought (and answer) was how could I? Why would I write about EMDR therapy if I was unwilling to talk about it? Why would I post it here if I didn’t want people to know?

When I first started on my journey of recovering and relearning to live (and live fully), I heard a life-altering expression – “We’re only as sick as our secrets.” I’ve learned over the years that when I keep something inside me – ashamed or afraid to let anyone else know about it – it can eat me alive, but when I let it out – when I say it aloud to someone who cares and who is with me – I find release and relief. Just yesterday a friend emailed me that very thought. “Just admitting it to you that I was not perfect makes it easier,” she wrote.

We’re only as sick as our secrets, and by sharing them (appropriately) we are wholer and freer.

I also share things here because, as I believe I’ve written before, my main reason for telling my story and writing my blog is the hope that by my doing so, I can help others who may feel different or lost. That my path can give them hope for their path. Also, I figure if I’m facing challenges, or have weird remnants from my childhood, then most likely other people have them to, but no one’s talking about it so everyone can feel ashamed.

So I write about them. I write about my EMDR therapy – and I’ll talk with anyone about it. I write about my body memories – about how during shavasana in my yoga practice, my body does that weird, jolting behavior where (I assume) I’m letting out things I’ve stored physically over the decades. I call out my ease and my pain. My challenges and my joy. My struggles and my delights.

I call out my humanness, in the hopes that others will relate and feel less alone. In the hopes that everyone’s secrets will be less, and less painful.

We’re only as sick as our secrets.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!